The Meat Controversy

I think it has to be said before I get into this topic that I was vegetarian for 5 years and a vegan for 4. I have nothing against vegan or vegetarian diets and fully support the choice to go cruelty-free. If done healthfully, and if right for your body, I commend those who are vegan and vegetarian and hope that the mixture of vegetable, zero animal, raw (to come in the summer) recipes I post on my blog will entice and captivate you.

There is a lot of confusion around growth hormones, antibiotics, BSE and the saturated fat content in cattle. I’d like to shed some light on this subject so those of you who have been afraid to eat meat or have no idea what I’m talking about, can make healthy meat choices and, if desired, go back to eating meat again.

Saturated fats

Contrary to popular belief, our bodies actually need moderate levels of saturated fats to protect our arteries, stimulate our immune system, manufacture hormones, calcium absorption, and absorption and utilization of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Having said that however, we want to make sure that the saturated fats we’re eating are going to a) contribute to our health b) aren’t in excess and, c) are from various sources.

The diets of our cattle

It all begins with a high grains diet – and I don’t mean for us humans, but for our cattle. Just as we get a spike in our blood sugar after eating a huge bowl of white rice, animals experience the same when living off a grains diet. All this excess blood sugar (or glucose in the blood) is seen as excess energy and is stored as fat (saturated fat). So we could conclude that the higher the cows’ diet is in grains, the higher the blood sugar, the more the saturated fat.

In fact studies have shown that grain-fed beef can have upwards of 50% saturated fat content as opposed to grass-fed beef at 10% (the same amount of fat as seen in skinless chicken, wild deer, or elk).

Grass-fed cattle

In addition to its lower saturated fat content, grass-fed beef is six times higher in omega-3 fatty acids when compared to grain-fed beef and is lower in omega-6 fats. The reason that grass-fed beef has more omega-3s than grain-fed beef is is because omega-3s are formed in the green leaves of plants. 60% of the fat content in grass is a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid or LNA.

This higher omega-3 (LNA) to 6 ratio in grass-fed beef (and other animals) is the key to reducing silent inflammation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular issues, cancer, and brain diseases like schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s.

Hormones and Antibiotics

Artificial hormones are used on conventional livestock to increase the growth of the animals. Although the USDA and FDA claim these hormones are safe, there is growing concern that hormone residues in our conventional meat and milk might be harmful to human health and the environment. Risks to human health include developmental problems in children, interfering with the reproductive system, and even leading to the development of breast, prostate or colon cancer.

The widespread use of antibiotics to prevent disease in animals is causing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to develop at a faster rate, including bacteria resistant to common antibiotics used for people. Eating the meat from these animals isn’t necessarily dangerous to your health, but you may become infected with these antibiotic-resistant bacteria if the meat you eat isn’t thoroughly cooked or if the water you drink becomes contaminated with these bacteria. If this is the case, you will have a stronger resistant to antibiotics (making it challenging to find an antibiotic prescription strong enough to help you in a time of need) and/or develop super bacteria in your gut that wipes out the good guys (more on healthy bacteria in the coming weeks).

Praise

Just wanted to thank you for being you, Leanne! I started binge watching your channel about two weeks ago and committed to keto after listening to your stories. We have a lot of parallels and I was suffering from extreme exhaustion and adrenal fatigue. Two weeks later and I’m already feeling SO much better!

 Cassia

I have been on and off keto for years. I purchased the Keto Bundle a few days ago and read the whole book today. You answered questions I got from nowhere else – why I can’t sleep – why my carbs and calories are too low – thank you!

 Robin

I’m new to the keto diet and am so grateful I’ve found healthfulpursuit.com– down to earth, approachable, holistic, but most of all, speaking to women’s specific needs. I find the lack of shame and the use of real food to be refreshing. Thank you for being a rational, reasonable voice. It’s the honesty that caught my eye.

 Tia

Leanne, I just wanted to thank you for being such a positive influence. I have been loving keto for the past year and a half, but just figured out quite recently that what matters most is that I haven’t been loving myself. I need to get to a place where my worth is not based on a number or what I did or didn’t eat in a day. YOU are helping me with that! I’m learning about myself, what works for me and learning to love myself in the process.

 Amy

I started keto after stumbling across Leanne’s YouTube channel. So far, I’m down 20 pounds in 1.5 months. The best part is I have a ton of energy and no more brain fog! Thank you for all you do!

 Brandi

In 26 years, I’ve tried pretty much every diet and weight loss gimmick that exists! Now that I’ve discovered keto (thanks to Leanne), I feel happier, healthier, and more successful (not to mention lighter), than I ever have in my life!

 Tiffany

I recently decided to try a keto diet since I suffer from endometriosis and have tried a low fat diet, vegan diet, etc. and nothing has really worked. In doing some research I came across your website and it has been so helpful. I purchased the Keto Bundle and then your book The Keto Diet, which I absolutely love. Every recipe that I try is so good, even my 4 year old son loves them. My favorite so far is the chili stuffed avocados, such an amazing flavor. Your podcasts and videos are so helpful. Thanks for providing such great information!!

 Staci

I am a 64-year-old, overweight, prediabetic, worn out, stressed out, etc. woman who just discovered Leanne on YouTube. After two weeks on Leanne’s version of ketoI can relax, be balanced, have fun, and best of all stick to this way of eating that is going to change my life.

 Martha

For the first time in my life I am menu planning with the help of your weekly meal plans, and transitioning gently into your forgiving and body-positive brand of ketogenic living. My cravings are almost gone; what remains is probably just habit, without out the blinding compulsion that used to drive me. I am working on my self esteem; even though I am an accomplished professional, I feel as if I have clay feet sometimes! I love how you suggest acceptance and self-love. We can all be better in the world when we honor our own selves!

 Barbara

I thank GOD I found your podcast after unsuccessfully trying to do keto for months, the internet is a confusing and conflicting place. I got The Keto Diet, my keto handbook, and I look forward to each and every podcast. I too come from a history of eating disorder (in my 30s, I’m now my healthiest and about to turn 50) so I love your fair, impartial, balanced approach and the fact that you speak openly about triggers! Love you!

 Michelle

I’m fairly new to keto and low carb (about 3 months) and I’ve never felt better. I’m totally addicted to consuming as much knowledge as my brain can take and it doesn’t feel like enough! I am amazed by what I’m learning, by what I’m feeling and by the desire I can feel inside myself to help people! I’m very inspired by you Leanne – thank you!

 Shauna

After reading your blog for about a year I finally bought your book, The Keto Diet, and started eating keto almost 2 weeks ago. I’m 57 and fearful of Alzheimer’s, and my mind seems clearer and more focused. Yesterday, I found myself licking my salad plate to get all the yummy fat off of it! Thanks so much for all your info and help!

 Sharon

I turned to Keto looking for a way to lose weight, and I did! But now I am so happy to have discovered that it is much more than just weight loss. I feel much better than before and I am starting to understand how my body works, without restrictions, just listening to what is best for me. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s at 17 and have had to fight with it since then. With the change in diet, my T3, T4, and antibodies are better than ever and I don’t need additional medication – I am able to control it with food, and that makes me really happy!

 Marta

Fat adapting has truly simplified my life and gave me the energy to do what I love! Plus, Leanne’s approach to keto food prep is so effortless. Everything tastes amazing!

 Breana

I found your podcast just before I decided to try Keto. I was on my way home from a weekend in Boston and was driving back to NJ (February 2017) I listed to your podcast the entire ride and not only did I learn so much about Keto but I was fully inspired. I continue to eat Keto and listen to every podcast every week; it continues to inspire and teach me. I have lost 17 pounds and truly upped my game when in comes to my work outs — keto (and Leanne) have changed my life.

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Leanne Vogel has experienced success in using her recipes and keto-based diet. It works with her lifestyle but there are no assurances or representations of any kind made by Leanne Vogel or Healthful Pursuit Inc. that you will attain any success in using the same recipes or adopting a keto-based diet. Healthful Pursuit provides information in respect to healthy living, recipes, nutrition, and diet and is intended for informational purposes only. The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor is it to be construed as such. We cannot guarantee that the information provided by Healthful Pursuit reflects the most up-to-date medical research. Information is provided without any representations or warranties of any kind. Please consult a qualified physician for medical advice, and always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health and nutrition program.